Take a look at yourself. How many way have you re-created yourself today?

Some would say you haven’t re-created yourself and some would make a full page list of different ways. Each day we all re-create ourselves to fit into our environments, physical, social, financial, etc. Sometimes it is based on keeping the appearance of staying the same. At other times we re-create ourselves in different ways such as with our appearance, our physical environment, health, our financial situation,etc.

Currently I am in the process of re-creating several things in my life. For me it is not always easy to focus on just one thing when it seems like so many things need re-creating. Many times I can see the larger picture but when trying to break it down to smaller actions they all seem just as important and finding a starting place is a challenging. Although research helps, it also helps to pick an action as a starting place then evaluate to see if changes are necessary.

Virginia, we have come to that time of year again when I first learned about you and your letter asking if there was a Santa. In the years that have passed more of us than ever are now over the age of 50. In your first letter you asked if there was a Santa Claus, now you and others are asking if people can be leaders after reaching the age of 50.

Do you know many people think that after 50 a persons’ mind starts declining? They are so busy in the business of their own world and don’t realize that when people reach the age of 50 they have re-created their personal lives as well as their professional lives many times. Through the process of re-creating ourselves we find many areas of our lives enhanced in ways we never expected and have developed new leadership skills in the process.

When we look Santa Claus, who is over 50, at as an example of leadership it helps to look at all the things he does:

he remembers almost everything about people and especially if they are naughty or nice

he works well with others

millions of people to follow his travels

people everywhere respect his leadership especially when it comes to bringing joy to others and meeting a deadline

What a dreary world this would be if it were not for the older people in our lives.

Alas when people become older they sometimes have to reach back in their memories to find the magic, enthusiasm and courage to shout to the world that they are still here and have much to offer. Joining new groups may make the transitions easier and even more fun. In today’s world even I have joined new groups and have learned to use the internet, social media and various other newly created avenues to find things such as information about shopping, travel, entertainment, health, relationships, etc. From time to time I have even been surprised that others have thanked me for sharing my wisdom with them. Instead of telling them what to do I usually feel it is best to find a way to encourage others to ask questions about themselves to determine what they want to achieve and then ask if they have a plan to make that happen.

Virginia, most people over 50 use personal leadership skills as well as the leadership skills they acquired in business or even in spiritual endeavors. Women and men both use leadership skills in their hobbies, starting new businesses or jobs, developing plans to maintain and enhance their health as well as relationships, etc.

When we are older we know that leadership shows up in many different ways. The examples can vary person to person. We may offer to take our pets and share them and ourselves with others who may be lonely or just enjoy animals. Many of us also offer to share the joy of pets with students and/or others who may have a lot of stress in their lives, some of us also share our personal skills with those who are struggling in life or in jobs.

Sometimes, Virginia, we are very creative and add our own spin on how to get things done. I would encourage you to read Dr. Gene Cohen’s books The Creative Age and The Mature Mind. He gives many examples of how older people accomplish tasks that others may view as impossible. One example explains how one snowy day his wife’s parents were trapped in a snow storm and could not find transportation to Dr. Cohen’s house. They developed a true example of creative leadership and found the resource they needed in the form of an open pizza parlor. They ordered a pizza, asked the delivery person to deliver them along with the pizza and arrived at their destination.

As with most things, life is re-created to fill a need or desire. What would this world be like without older leaders such as Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Santa Claus, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Andrew Weil, Oprah Winfrey, Hogwarts’ Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, President George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, etc?

To have no leaders over the age of 50 would certainly be boring. The real trick is to have leaders more like Santa. Santa has many and various types of employees that work and live well together. He has a personal following throughout the world who come together in various types of celebrations. Santa is also willing to share ideas and solutions in order to creatively meet his goal of bringing joy into the lives of others.

I hope in the future we will all learn from Santa and lead by example, work well together and bring joy to not only our corner of the world but to the entire world.

Jo is a re-creation specialist. She has experienced many opportunities to re-create her own life. She now shares tips with others and helps them answer the questions to help them Thrive in the next life stage. She can be found at www.re-creationstation.com/about

Most of us have heard the saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and many people actually believe it. After people leave a formal educational system, many feel the only source of new learning that takes place is in a work setting. For Baby Boomers and others who have been in jobs and are now retired or getting ready to retire, try a new career or set out on new life experiences, etc. the above saying is far from reality.

Why is it important for adults to keep learning? Learning is a lifelong process whether it is intended or not. As people age, by the way aging starts at birth, there is always change and growth. At midlife people also start becoming creative in different ways than they were earlier in their life. Of course we cannot replicate some of the things we were able to do in our youth, esp. the things that required physical strength, but as we age we can do different things better than we could when we were younger.

The two most important things about lifelong learning no matter your age is to make sure it is something you want to learn and make sure it is fun. Learning can be fun especially for the adult learner.

In order for learning fun it is important for the adult learner to:

Leave the old baggage about learning behind. To do this find or develop a support group. Sometimes the people closest to you may become jealous or fearful of the new things you try. It might because they are afraid that you will not be there for them. In your support group whether it is formal or informal, include people around you and/or find others who will support you in your efforts to get the type of education that will help you in the job market, a career change or to take classes in which you are interested. Sometimes you find support groups in the classes you take. When you find a group that likes the same things you do such as training your dog, learning about cameras, exercising, scrapbooking, traveling, etc. usually there usually be people in the group who naturally support you in learning new things and you will also contribute to what they learn.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes people sign up for something without knowing what it is or what they will learn? It is important for the adult or mature learner to read the goals, objectives and time requirements of a class or a group they intend to join. By doing this you make sure you are really doing what you enjoy and learning what you want to learn.

It is also important for educational providers to realize that:

To reach adult and mature learners they do not have to do what everyone else is doing. Sure there are various colleges and other institutions that have programs to meet the needs of adult full time students but learners who are only able to be part time or “drop-in” students may need more options such as the internet or other types of distance learning. Using the internet or distance learning can also be an integral part of any program offered by educational institutions. Choices for informal and formal learning may now include education while on vacation or in other non-traditional places. Learning can occur on cruises, through movies, Google or Yahoo interest groups, bookstores that sponsor book clubs, etc. as well distance education such as over the internet, TV or satellite. Just think how much you can learn about staying healthy or being stress free while on a cruise, a trip to a spa or sports camp.

When providers find a way for the learners to interact with each other many times the learning is enhanced. Providers can provide opportunities for interaction using message boards, online chat, Skype, and special events especially if classes are in person, etc.

People over 100 years old are the fastest growing age group in the US. Learning gives you something to do throughout your life as well as a sense of purpose when what you learn is fun and helpful to you. Learning can help you keep your mind and body in better condition, be more in control of yourself, choose learning avenues that fit your interests and